Hutchings, J. M. (James Mason), 1820-1902

James Mason Hutchings was born in 1824 in England. At sixteen years old he traveled to New Orleans and worked as a clerk in a business house there. When he heard about the gold discovery, he left New Orleans in April of 1849, determined to satisfy his craving for adventure by taking the overland route. He arrived at the "gold-diggings" on October 9, 1849. He mined, made his fortune, and lost it all when the San Francisco bank, Frank Ward & Co., failed. He then returned to mining. In 1853, Hutchings published a letter sheet called "The Miner's Ten Commandments" which became wildly popular among California's early settlers. In 1856, aided by his newfound wealth, Hutchings began publishing "Hutching's Illustrated California Magazine", a monthly magazine dedicated to promoting the natural wonders and beauty of California. The magazine was published until June 1861, when it merged with the "California Mountaineer". After relinquishing his role as editor and proprietor of his magazine, Hutchings settled in the Yosemite and opened the hotel known as the "Hutchings House". In 1880, Hutchings was elected "Guardian of the Valley."

From the description of Autobiography and Reminiscence of James Mason Hutchings, San Francisco, 1901. (The Society of California Pioneers). WorldCat record id: 55979173

Hutchings was a pioneer to California and an author of books about that state.

From the description of Diaries, 1848-1855. (Brigham Young University). WorldCat record id: 51599503

James Mason Hutchings was a pioneer to Calif. in 1849 and an author of many books about Calif.

From the description of James Mason Hutchings diary : photocopy, 1848-1855. (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 52015112

Author, editor, and publisher.

From the description of Papers of J. M. Hutchings, 1848-1855. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71068865